As Opening Day inches closer and closer to reality, we're starting to see more regulars in the Nationals lineup on a regular basis. Indeed, today's starting nine — er, 10, since they're still using the DH — features six guys projected to take the field on April 1 against the Marlins, plus three more big-league backups in Tyler Moore, Wilson Ramos and Chad Tracy.

Ramos is behind the plate for the second time this spring, and it'll be interesting to see how he looks back there. Also of interest will be Ryan Zimmerman at the plate, serving again as DH. Sounds like he's getting close to taking his familiar position at third base.

Jordan Zimmerman is on the mound today, facing those pesky St. Louis Cardinals (though thankfully neither Pete Kozma nor Daniel Descalso). The Nats will, however, be up against top pitching prospect Shelby Miller, who gets the start for the Redbirds.

Bob and F.P. are back in Viera, so you can watch today's game live on TV. And, of course, continue to enjoy the conversation here…

NatsLady said… JZ seems very hittable today. Of course, he's "working on stuff," right? March 08, 2013 1:45 PM I was going to write the Dan Haren quote also. At 2-0, maybe we're laughing. At 8-0, not so funny. That radar guy better be seriously off today. What is the radar reading on Shelby Miller as my TV crashed….

Janeb- just not up to full velocity yet. Lots of balls over heads, through holes, just out of reach. Not sharp. Batters look bad also. Everyone is out of sync by just a tad- just enough to make them ineffective. First pitch outs by our hitters.except for Bryce, who had about a 10 pitch AB.

It's 15 -2!!!! Let's just leave all of this stinker in Florida and not bring any part of it north. And to think I got sick at work for this. Time to sit back, have no expectations and relax. It's only baseball, after all.

Ramos is favoring the knee when he runs to 1B.Wagner on NJ says: "He slid safely into third base on his surgically-repaired knee. He was fine but another telling sign that he can run the bases without issue. He, however, is out after three innings despite Davey Johnson saying pre-game he would use him four innings."Any feedback from those who are at the game? Was Ramos taken out early because of concern about this knee?

I just don't think these guys are given enough credit for being professional athletes. On the one hand, the are not exactly frail, little old ladies. On the other hand- stuff happens no matter where you are or what you are doing. You can sneeze, trip, fall out iof bed and get hurt. Just live your life , play the game, be reasonably careful . You can 't exist in a state of fear and paranoia.

H-Rod is perfect, every other pitcher struggles, no one can hit – this is clearly opposite day, so we should probably disregard this game.Interesting note from an article on the WBC USA team: "Mike Trout, the best player in the majors last year, hasn't earned financial security yet. So it's understandable he didn't go. (Word is, he consulted with Bryce Harper, who also didn't make it)." I guess they stay in touch from their AFL days?

So Boz has some realistic advice in this piece. Not the usual Koolaid.I like that Boz laid off the Koolaid for a day, but this is a pretty funny takedown of his cherry picking of statistics to support his valid point.

Assessment of JZimm, from a scout, relayed by Wagner: "Jordan Zimmermann had nothing working today, per a scout. Velocity was fine (92 to 94 mph) just pitches high in the zone. Nothing alarming." Sounds like a working on control thing?

See, Mike? That's what happens when you make a pitching change in the bottom of the 9th in a spring training blowout. Eh, it's spring training (but I hate losing to those birds). My fave part of the game? The bottom of the 9th. Also, Tyler Moore's interview (I love listening to that boy talking and aw shucksing). Also, the replay of Jayson's game 4 walk-off. That [stuff] never gets old.

Let's go to the tape …Moore looks like their top power bat … based on last year's performance. Davey still needs to find a way to get that bat in the lineup on reasonably consistent basis. Preferably batting behind Harper followed by LaRoche and then Zim. Davey likes having a good bench but when the bench probably contains their best run producing bat? The "bench" gets used far more frequently.

peric, my friend, your persistence is admirable though quixotic. Moore just isn't a good enough fielder, nor does he have a good enough arm to be a starting outfielder on the 2013 WSOB version of the Nats. But he's a great guy and will provide huge value as as the No. 1 RH pinch hitter and as injury insurance at the corner OF spots (I like that Davey is giving him work in both RF and LF) and 1B. You were pushing for him to be given a chance last year, even after he stunk up the joint in his first callup in late April, and you were right.

We'll see … T-Mo the Magnolia Muscle was a particular favorite of Ben Goessling very early on. So, actually he was right about him.The stats are very clear on this. Moore's bat was the most effective run producer. And the only legitimate power bat that should get opposition pitchers' attention. Harper hopefully as well but we'll see.

The only legitimate power bat? Really? Not sure Zim, ALR, and Desi would agree with you. He's had 171 MLB plate appearances. Let's wait another season at least before anointing him the second coming of Danny Espinosa, who, if I recall correctly, has the highest ceiling of any player on the team, Hall of Fame potential.

Nats lady- if team USA does not pull it together we won't see Gio pitch- they won't get to the next round. It 's really hard to throw a team together and have that game last night be the first game of the tournament for them. Hoping for better results but Italy is hot. Go Det! And I also have issues rooting for some if these guys.

I am also on the HRod bus and I believe it was Ghost who correctly nailed the fascination with watching him throw in triple digits and then come back with that 82 mph splitter that made me a fan. I realize he has more than control issues but just hope he can prove himself and help this club. If he doesn't throw 100 but also doesn't hit the backstop with 3 out of 10 pitches maybe we will have another diamond in the rough?While I stayed up to watch the WBC and was slightly disappointed in the USA effort, it does amaze me how many competent players there are from all over the world. I mean, we play Italy who is 2-0 today. I have not seen them yet but I wonder if Piazza is in the dugout? Go Nats!! and thanks for the mini scouting briefs NatsJack

I watched DR vs. Venezuela. Right now they look like the best team. Guys like Hanley Ramirez are very intense when they play, and they have strong rivalries from tournaments like the Carribean World Series. Cuba also looks strong, they just clobbered Taiwan (CMW not pitching!).